[color=#D4987F][center][img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1184338807965888622/1230728551104249937/Headers_20240418_205515_0000.png?ex=66346048&is=6621eb48&hm=ba2a01e943cb4a36aedfe4b53e3938d41929f1b0a0f756a0fcd026174e49f511&[/img][/center]

[color=#035E7B]Time:[/color] Morning
[color=#035E7B]Location:[/color] Morning Blossom Cafe
[color=#035E7B]Interactions:[/color] [@Lava Alckon] Lord Drake
[color=#035E7B]Mentions:[/color] [@princess] Anastasia 
[color=#035E7B]Outfit:[/color] [url=https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1184338807965888622/1230730903467065405/2024-04-16_12_56_50.580-0700.jpg?ex=66346279&is=6621ed79&hm=bf2be326a0e85b33e9e2fa999fbe08a66eb8321281ff77b0a50b92415ee0117f&]Dress[/url]

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In the quiet sanctuary of Princess Anastasia's chamber, Thea stood before the ornate vanity, the soft morning light filtering through the gossamer curtains. She traced the delicate contours of her reflection, the mask of indifference concealing the tumultuous storm raging within.

Anastasia, her dearest friend and confidante, had offered sanctuary in the labyrinthine halls of the palace, shielding her from the prying eyes of society and the suffocating expectations of her family. But even within the cocoon of safety, Thea couldn't escape the weight of her mother's disappointment, the cold disdain that chilled her to the bone.

Her mother's words echoed in the recesses of her mind, a haunting refrain of duty and obligation that threatened to suffocate her. "You are a Smithwood, Thea," she had admonished, the weight of their tarnished legacy heavy upon her shoulders. "It is time you stopped making a mockery of our family."

But Thea refused to be bound by the shackles of tradition anymore, to be a pawn in the game of societal expectations. She had tasted freedom, felt its intoxicating embrace, and she would not relinquish it without a fight.

And so, with a defiant spark in her eyes, she hatched a plan, a daring gambit to seize control of her own destiny. Swapping places with a willing servant, paying the girl well, she slipped away into the night, leaving behind the confines of her gilded cage in search of true liberation.

But amidst the chaos of her escape, a newfound determination took root within her, a resolve to chart her own course and find love on her own terms. For too long, she had allowed others to dictate her fate, to mold her into the dutiful daughter society demanded. The end of her engagement with Felix had felt devastating at first, but now she felt like it was a godsend.

Two days had passed since then, as she prepared for the mix and match mixer, Thea embraced the uncertainty of the unknown, the thrill of possibility coursing through her veins. For in the dance of chance and destiny, she would find the freedom she so desperately craved, and perhaps, just perhaps, the love she had longed for all along.

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As Thea stepped into the Morning Blossom Cafe, the elegant ambiance enveloped her like a warm embrace, soothing her nerves with its serene beauty. She couldn't help but marvel at the opulence of the surroundings, the soft melodies of the piano mingling with the gentle hum of conversation, creating a symphony of elegance. She handed her borrowed coat and umbrella to the coat check, revealing [url=https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1184338807965888622/1230730903467065405/2024-04-16_12_56_50.580-0700.jpg?ex=66346279&is=6621ed79&hm=bf2be326a0e85b33e9e2fa999fbe08a66eb8321281ff77b0a50b92415ee0117f&]a beautiful mint green dress[/url] that seemed to embody spring. She was oh so thankful to the fact that her and Annie were of similar sizes. She also hoped that Annie would find Farim to assure him that she was okay as Thea had instructed her to do this morning before bidding her farewell.

Taking a deep breath to steady her racing heart, she approached Mingyu, who greeted her with infectious enthusiasm. Thea couldn't help but smile at Mingyu's warmth, feeling a flutter of excitement in her chest as she reached for a piece of paper from the basket.

[color=#035E7B]"Thank you, Mingyu,"[/color] she murmured, her voice tinged with anticipation as she glanced at the number on the paper. With a quick nod of gratitude, she followed Mingyu's guidance, her pulse quickening with each step as she scanned the room for her designated table.

As Thea settled into her seat, her gaze wandered across the elegant surroundings of the Morning Blossom Cafe, taking in the beauty of the floral arrangements and the soft glow of the chandeliers above. Her heart danced with excitement as she eagerly awaited the arrival of her date, her mind buzzing with anticipation.

And then, like a vision from a dream, he entered the room—a man whose mere presence seemed to cast a spell over the atmosphere. He had to be Prince Charming.

Her breath caught in her throat as she watched him move with effortless grace, his commanding stature drawing the attention of everyone in the room, or so she thought. Her pulse quickened with each step he took, her eyes unable to tear themselves away from his captivating form.

As he drew closer, Thea felt a rush of nervous energy coursing through her veins. She smoothed her hands over the fabric of her dress, suddenly acutely aware of every detail of her appearance. Was she dressed appropriately? Did she look presentable enough for someone as distinguished as Prince Charming?

But as he finally reached her table, her worries faded ever so slightly into the background, replaced by a sense of exhilaration at the prospect of getting to know him. She greeted him with a warm smile, her heart fluttering with excitement as she prepared to embark on this new adventure. Quickly, she decided to stand up, smashing her knee against the table and feeling the utter humiliation begin to take hold. She dipped her head, trying to hide the deep blush and she dropped into a curtsy.

[color=#035E7B]"Hello,"[/color] she said, her voice tinged with anticipation. [color=#035E7B]"It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Lady Th-.”[/color] She suddenly cut herself off as a thought occurred to her and her stomach soured. [color=#035E7B]”I…I’m….Forgive me, but I fear that revealing my name to you may scare you away as it is known in a negative connotation.”[/color] She began to shuffle from side to side, her nervousness and fear palpable now.[/color]